Massive turnout for protest against development on ODZ land

More than 3,000 people gathered in Valletta this morning to take part in what many are considering to be the biggest pro-environment protest ever seen in Malta. The protest was organised by the newly set up Front Ħarsien ODZ which aims to stop development in outside development sites such as Zonqor point. Protesters of all ages walked down Republic Street from the new Parliament before stopping at Great Siege Square, with crowds spilling into Republic Street as the square could not fit everyone. Many participants carried banners and placards calling on the government to protect the environment. One read Malta taghna jew ta l-ispekulaturi?, another said L-Ambjent Sahhitna. Front spokesman Shaun Grech said the organisers were overwhelmed by the turnout. "We are not a group of people with partisan interests... we are saying no to further destruction." Spokesman Michael Briguglio said: "This is the biggest protest of common citizens ever held in Malta… We were not expecting such a massive response. This shows that Malta belongs to us all and does not just the contractors.” He called on the government to immediately publish the contract with Sadeen Group proposing the development of...